These are a must for anyone like me who likes to hike in tennies. They work well with hiking boots as well, but really shine with shoes. Scree, dirt, sticks, etc, all stay out. The only downside is they wear out eventually - stitching, snaps - but what doesn't? This is my second pair and I had the first for 3 yrs/600 miles!

By TomT from Jackson, WY on 8/21/2006

I have gone through one or two pairs of these every year for the last six. OR finally has fixed the snap, but the L/XL size is wayyy too big. I have size 12 feet, and use a regular approach shoe, and they're too big. Don't bother with the L/XL unless you have size 14-15 feet and huge calfs.

By Tom the Mapman from Omak, WA on 8/18/2006

These are very good little "half-gaiters" for those times when you may not need a full-size gore-tex to-the-knee gaiter. They're especially good for use with shoes or boots that are smaller than regular mountaineering boots or hiking boots. But, I recommend replacing the "string" used for the stirrups with mini-bungies instead, allowing for quick on/off and easy use with gloves. Or, you could just tie the "strings" in a workable position permanently to get rid of the hassle of tying and untying wet, muddy little knots. These are not real big either-- might be too short or too small for some people and some footwear, but then, that's when you use regular gaiters instead. These work super-good, though, with running shoes, including low-tops, etc.

By Johnny Rocket from Salem, Oregon on 8/9/2006

I wore these on Mt St Helens right out of the box and they did a great job of keeping the ash out of my boots. A few weeks later I wore them on Mt Washington - which included an 800' scree decent - and they were superb. The stretch fabric is very forgiving -- the size large stretched to fit my size 14's!